Catechism Question 26
What three major roles from the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill?
Jesus fulfilled the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we establish the fact that Jesus fulfilled the roles of prophet, priest, and king. These three roles are often called the ‘offices’ of Christ. They refer to the three major types of leaders over God’s people in the Old Testament. In His work of restoring God’s people, Jesus fulfilled all three of these roles.
The purpose of the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and the differences between them will be discussed in the next question.
Additional Questions:
What three religious and political offices did Jesus fulfill?
What three roles in the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill?
Scripture References:
Hebrews 1:1–3
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18–19
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him…. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.
Acts 3:22–23
For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’
Psalms 110:4
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7:15–17, 23–27
And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”…
23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26 Such a high priest meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Psalms 110:1
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
Isaiah 9:6–7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is it important that Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King?
How do we see the three roles of prophet, priest, and king discussed in Hebrews 1:1-3?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 31 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and question 23 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg and Westminster Shorter Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Offices of Christ” (August 21, 2011), “Christ and the Priesthood” (March 21, 2004), “Christ and the Prophets” (March 28, 2004), and “Christ and the Kingship” (April 4, 2004).
Suggested Worship Song:
Join All The Glorious Names (Isaac Watts, 1709; chorus by Bob Kauflin)
Join all the glorious names
Of wisdom love and power
That mortals ever knew
That angels ever bore
All are too poor to speak
Your vast and priceless worth
Too poor to set my Savior forth
CHORUS
Jesus Your name is glorious
Our Prophet Priest and King
Jesus You’re reigning over us
And forevermore
Your praises we will sing
Great Prophet of my God
My tongue would bless Your name
Through You the joyful news
Of our salvation came
The long-awaited news
Of every sin forgiven
Of hell subdued and peace with heaven
Jesus my Great High Priest
You shed Your blood and died
My guilty conscience seeks
No sacrifice beside
Your pure and precious blood
For all my sin atoned
And now it pleads before the throne